Our Team
Gabby Jones
Instructor & Administrator
Gabrielle Jones began dancing at the age of two and was a competitive dancer for 12 years. Growing up at Candy Apples Dance Center, she was trained in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, musical theater, contemporary, hip-hop, and Irish Step. During her competitive career, she was awarded multiple regional and national titles and was recognized with special awards for her clean technique and stage presence. She also performed and filmed for the television show Dance Moms. Gabby went on to graduate from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with a specialization in Dance Education. She has performed with Versatile Dance Company, Ohio Dance Machine, and New Vision Dance Company. Currently, she lives in Jerome with her husband Joe and their two doodles, Delia and Brookie.
Gabby believes it is important for students to feel confident, motivated, and inspired at all times and to be in an environment they feel comfortable in. Sharing her love and passion for dance, Gabby wants her students to be proud of their accomplishments and to enjoy all the hard work and dedication they put into dance.
Samantha Charles
Instructor
Samantha Charles, hailing from Marysville, is a seasoned dance instructor with over 10 years of experience. She has not only been a dedicated teacher at In Step Dance Center but has also enriched her dance journey through classes at The Ohio State University, dance conventions, Progressing Ballet Technique, and BalletMet. Samantha's passion for dance extends beyond the studio, as she contributes to the community by choreographing for musicals, judging show choir competitions, and participating in events such as "Dancing with Our Stars" for the Avalon. Her love for outdoor activities and yoga complements her active lifestyle. Currently pursuing a master's in public health with The Ohio State University, she hopes to continue a commitment to both dance and community well-being. When not dancing, she indulges in her love for chips and salsa, cherishes moments with her family, loves to travel, and could spend hours thrift shopping. Samantha aspires to inspire a lifelong love for dance in all of her students.
Melissa Hare
Instructor
Melissa began dancing at the age of 3. She has trained in ballet, tap, jazz and acrobat and has frequently performed throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Indiana and Washington D.C. Melissa has advanced dance training with many nationally acclaimed master teachers. She has choreographed dances for several local organizations. Melissa has been teaching dance since 1998. She and her husband; Scott, have three children; Alyssa, Shanna and Sean. Melissa is an experienced group fitness teacher and just became a certified ZUMBA instructor.
Janaya Davis
Instructor
Janaya Davis is from Groveport, Ohio. Janaya grew up dancing at Studio C School of Dance in Canal Winchester, Ohio. Janaya has currently been dancing for 18 years and teaching for 3 years. She is now in her 3rd year of dancing for an adult dance company called New Vision where she continues to grow and a dancer and choreographer. Janaya is a Senior at Capital University where she is majoring as an Intervention Specialist. After graduation she plans to find an elementary school close to home so that she can continue to spread her love for dance at In Step Dance Center.
Ashley Dabe
Instructor
Ashley Dabe grew up dancing in Gahanna, Ohio at Pinnell Dance Centre. Starting her dance journey at age 2, she has won numerous awards through competitions including a grand national champion soloist title her senior year of high school. Training in ballet, tap, lyrical, hip hop, jazz and pointe, Ashley's love of dance carried her to New York City after high school to intern at Broadway Dance Center. Concentrating in tap and contemporary, Ashley landed a job with Radio City Music Hall and the Rockette Experience Intensives. Her connections also landed her the lead role of Queen of Hearts in Kermidas Dance Company touring throughout Upstate New York. Since returning to Ohio, Ashley has danced with New Vision Dance company and has been teaching and choreographing since 2011. Many of her competitive routines have placed in the top 5 and have received national choreography awards. Ashley loves to spread the joy of dance to her students and hopes they take the skills learned in her classroom with them throughout their lives.
Lili Engel
Instructor
Lili Engel has been dancing since 5th grade. She grew up dancing at Columbus Dancearts Academy in Dublin,Ohio. She is from Germany but mainly grew up in the United States. She currently attends The Ohio State University for a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education. She has always enjoyed working with children and matched with her love of dance, being a dance teacher is amazing. After She graduated from Highschool, she fell in love with Aerial dance and has since become a Certified Lyra Trainer and Performer. She is also a part of New Vision Dance Company and has been participating for a year now. Lili believes in creating a love of dance in all students and giving them the opportunity to grow and find inner understanding.
Natalie Kersten
Instructor
Natalie Kersten started dancing at In Step Dance Center at the age of 5 and has carried a love for the art since then. She spent many of her late years as a student in the studio serving as a teacher’s assistant and is thrilled to return ISDC! Since graduating from Marysville Early College High School in 2019, she earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from The Ohio State University and works as a surgical oncology nurse at the James. Natalie loves watching the growth and confidence develop in young dancers throughout the season and hopes to enrich their love for dance.
Miabella Lopresti
Instructor
Miabella Lopresti grew up at ISDC. While some may know her as "Cindy's daughter," she now joins the ISDC teaching staff. Miabella started dancing at In Step when she was just two years old, and it quickly became a passion of hers. By the time she was four, Miabella joined the competition team, which opened up a whole new world of opportunities. Competing not only helped her grow as a dancer bu also taught her valuable lessons about teamwork, dedication, and perseverance. Miabella danced for 16 years at In Step, over the years training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Musical Theater, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Pom, Clog, and Tumbling. Now, as Miabella returns to ISDC, she feels incredibly grateful for the chance to teach while attending college. She is excited to share her love for dance with others and help her students develop their skills and confidence. Miabella looks forward to creating lasting memories and fostering a positive environment for everyone involved.
